Sunday, June 12, 2011

U.S. Special Forces of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)

Members of a Special Forces ODA, Afghanistan, late 2001 working with members of the Northern Alliance. Note the SOFLAM laser designator mounted on a tripod. SF ODAs used the SOFLAM to devestating effect during the campaign against the Taliban. From outside of the range of the enemy's weapons, a skilled Special Forces soldier or AFSOC Combat Controller can call down accurate strikes from aircraft high overhead. (Photo by U.S. Army)Hi-res

Please note: These guys on the ground were heroes. They did a great job during the initial stage of OEF, only supported by warriors of the Northern Alliance and also by U.S. CAS (close air support), later also supported by A-10's from Ahmed Al Jaber AB, Kuwait (followed by a short deployment to Pakistan and finally into A'stan for Bagram AB).

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.